Affordable Slim Watches

These Slim Watches Are Timeless And, Better Yet, Affordable

Though the infamous billionaire playboy philanthropist Tony Stark wears a Jaeger-LeCoultre that probably costs more than your car, your monthly take-home pay doesn't have to look like China's GDP to get a great watch with a thin profile.

While slim watches are becoming more and more popular of late, they've always been classic. In fact, thinner timepieces have been on the front end of fashion since men began wearing watches at all. The first mechanical watches were worn by affluent people yet true to style, they were never the focal point of an ensemble, often like stylists will recommend. As for picking a watch, it shouldn't be about weight, thickness or being able to see the time from the moon. In fact, a slim watch should pretty much fit under any cuff short of scuba gear. Not to mention they tend to wear more comfortably thanks to the reduced bulkiness and weight, and unlike 44mm+ sized watches, they don’t scream for attention. Instead, these timepieces say more with less — regardless of if you're prepping for a dressy occasion or casual get-together.

Making sense of these looks, however, doesn't have to be costly, confusing or without top-shelf brands to choose from. The biggest name designers in the world all make slim watches and some of the best in the segment are actually quite affordable. The true challenge comes with picking out the style that works for you with the myriad of options that are available. From the classic Skagen with mesh band to the new plastic Swatch, or the rose gold TW Steel to the classic simplicity of the latest from Tissot, nearly every look you'll ever desire can be enhanced by one of the slim watches on this list.

This AskMen guide to affordable slim watches features the very best watches under $500 with a focus on the most versatile designs and the most amazing functions. You can thank us later.

Armogan Spirit of St Louis

Inspired by the first transatlantic flight from New York to Paris back in 1927, this swinging-era-influenced timepiece is great for any guy looking to add a touch of sophistication to his wrist — plus, it makes for a great conversation piece as well.$199.98 at Huckberry.com

Bulova Classic

Key Specs: 5.9mm thick; 37mm diameter; stainless steel
What happens when a Czech jeweller comes to New York with a dream of making a watch line? Bulova happens. This model goes ultra thin but still exudes a bold feeling with its large 37mm face and clean design. The calfskin leather strap is closed with a silver buckle featuring the Bulova fork logo that is absent from the face on recent designs.$150.00 at Amazon.com

Daniel Wellington Classic Cardiff

Key Specs: 6mm; 40mm diameter; stainless steel
English, elegant, striking and memorable. This Daniel Wellington watch may sound more like a James Bond promotional campaign but it delivers on every promise. While a lot can be said about the rose gold case and simple but large face, the versatility of this watch clearly makes it a stand out. The leather strap can be easily swapped out for a multi colored fabric strap of any color combo as well as any other DW strap.$86.00 at Amazon.com

MVMT Watches Stainless Steel with White Face

Key Specs: 45mm case diameter, stainless steel case, mineral crystal
Good taste doesn’t have to feel bad when you break out the wallet. That’s why MVMT’s stainless steel number is such a bargain. Not only do you get mineral crystal, a bold 45mm case and excellent dial design, you get quartz accuracy and the benefit of knowing you paid less than your buddy did for his awful barbed wire tattoo.$88.08 at Amazon.com

Stuhrling Original Classic Ascot Fairmont

Key Specs: 42 mm stainless steel case, Krysterna crystal dial window, Swiss quartz movement
If it’s true slim minimalism you desire, nothing says that like a watch with slick hidden lugs. The Ascot Fairmont not only sounds distinguished, it looks the part with its matte white segmented dial and stark black markers and hands. The calfskin band also mates with the watch in the simplest of ways, giving credence to the “less-is-more” mantra of style.$71.00 at Amazon.com

Skagen Hagen

Key Specs: Analog-quartz movement, 38mm case diameter
It’s the watch we see on the wrist of a budding young architect whose style at work and on the wrist is crisply minimalist but still undeniably stylish. The fine mesh bracelet and the slickly modern white dial complement the slim steel case that stays on the smaller side in 38mm.$172.00 at Amazon.com

Timex Silvertone with Expansion Band

Key Specs: 36mm case, mineral crystal dial window, Quartz movement, analog display, Indiglo nightlight
It easily toes the line between dress and sport for a bargain price, and the fact that you get great style, stainless steel and mineral crystal for less than concert tickets is shocking. The handsome black dial and military numerals make it timeless, and the understated 36mm size means it fits under the slimmest of dress shirts.$39.94 at Amazon.com

Tissot T-Classic Desire

Key Specs: 5.85 thick; 34mm diameter; stainless steel
Two tone color watches are rarely among the best looking. They often fall flat from conflicting colors or one color dominating the other. This selection from Tissot does two tone justice with just the right amount of gold coupled with a brilliant polished silver. Beware though: some people consider Tissot to be gateway watches into the world of high end pieces, which we don't really think is a bad thing!$275.00 at Amazon.com

Citizen Axiom

Specs: 8mm thick; 40mm diameter; gold tone stainless steel
You've seen plenty of Citizen watches in your lifetime. It would be impossible not to since they're one of the largest watchmakers in the world. Featuring the Eco-Drive rechargeable battery, this watch uses the power of the sun from a solar panel beneath the face that can make this watch outlast, well, you.$250.00 at Amazon.com

Hamlin Ultra Thin Swiss

Key Specs: 7.15mm thick; 33mm diameter; titanium
Having a titanium watch isn't on the typical bucket list, but it should be. Hamlin watches have been suppliers of said titanium bucket list busters for decades. They also feature comfort case back technology to make wearing this timepiece even more comfortable. This rounded rectangular face is sure to catch anyone's attention.$355.00 at Hamlinwatch.com

Bering Time Classic

Key Specs: 7mm thick; 39mm diameter; stainless steel
With Danish minimalist design coupled with the sleek lines you'd expect from an Italian car, this Bering timepiece is everything that a slim timepiece should be: well made, memorable without being obnoxious and versatile for almost any occasion. Not bad for a watch brand that's only been around since 2008.$119.00 at Amazon.com

Stuhrling Original Ascot Soleil

Key Specs: 6mm thick; 38mm diameter; stainless steel
With links to the 1800s and a relaunch in 1999, this is one watch company that tries to connect classic looks with innovative design. This Swiss quartz timepiece that features large Roman numeral markers, a grey hydrologically stamped inner dial and a leather calfskin strap, combine into a solid addition to any growing watch collection.$345.00 at Amazon.com

TW Steel Gold Slim Line

Key Specs: 7mm thick; 45mm diameter; Rose Gold PVD Stainless Steel
Known for their oversized timepieces, Dutch watchmaker TW Steel has quickly become a standout in the affordable but high end timepiece segment. Going against the grain of their typically larger pieces, this offering fits right in with a plush leather strap and a rose gold case. With oversized 12 and 6 o'clock hour markers and a sun ray burst face, this is one watch from TW Steel that didn't need to be oversized to make a statement.$450.00 at Amazon.com

Tsovet JPT-NT 42

Key Specs: Luminescent hands, Ronda 513.1 movement, hardened mineral crystal glass
Tsovet’s range of watches is expansive, and one of their best slim watches is the JPT-NT. Its avant-garde aesthetic will please any discriminating gentleman, and the understated gunmetal finish and handcrafted black dial with simple markers is the exact opposite of a gold nugget watch from the Franklin Mint.$199.98 at Huckberry.com

Seiko Analog Tank Watch

Key Specs: Solar power source, 12-month power reserve, Japanese-quartz movement, 28.5mm case diameter
You don’t have to spend Cartier Tank watch money to get a good rectangular case and sophistication. Seiko’s done theirs up in gold with beautiful Roman numerals and mated it with brilliant solar power, so you never need a battery. The power move you pull in the office is up to since its bargain price means you can afford to take risks.$93.51 at Amazon.com

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